When time is short, a firm defence.
Criminal cases, complaints, administrative offences and fines. We respond quickly, explain what is at stake and defend your rights at every stage.
- IRead the notice
- IICheck the deadline
- IIIPrepare the defence
- IVSee it through
Defence at every stage.
We defend individuals and companies, and support victims who want to file a complaint.
Criminal cases
Defending suspects and defendants from investigation to trial and appeal.
Complaints and victim support
Filing complaints and representing victims in the proceedings.
Administrative offences
Defence in administrative offence proceedings, including labour, environmental and consumer cases.
Traffic fines
Responding to traffic offence notices and challenging decisions.
Police questioning
Attending questioning and other procedures, when every word counts.
Appeals
Appealing administrative and court decisions.
One defence, four steps.
Our method applied to defence. Every case is reviewed at the first consultation.
Read the notice
We read what you received and explain, in plain language, what it means.
Check the deadline
We confirm how long you have to act. Often it is short.
Prepare the defence
We gather evidence, hear witnesses and agree the strategy with you.
See it through
We stand by you at every step, until the final decision.
Your defence starts on day one.
The sooner you talk to us, the more options you have.
For those who need a defence.
Defendants
Those named as suspects (arguido) or charged.
Victims
Those who want to file a complaint and be represented.
Companies
Companies notified of administrative offences or inspections.
Received a notice?
Do not miss the deadline. Send us a photo of the document on WhatsApp and we will tell you what to do.
Chat on WhatsAppMyth or fact?
Common beliefs about the law, cleared up in plain English. Tap a card to see the answer.
⚠ General answers, to be validated by the lawyers before publishing. They do not replace a consultation.
What people ask us most.
General answers. Every case is reviewed at the first consultation.
I have been named an arguido. Does that mean I am guilty?
No. Being an arguido gives you rights in the proceedings, such as having a lawyer and remaining silent. You are presumed innocent until finally convicted.
I received a fine. How long do I have to respond?
It depends on the type of case, but deadlines are short, often only a few working days. Contact us as soon as you receive the notice.
Can I file a complaint without a lawyer?
You can, but with representation you can take an active part in the case, request evidence and protect your interests.
Is it worth challenging an administrative offence?
Often yes, especially when the notice has errors or the penalty is heavy. We review the case and give you a frank opinion.
⚠ Answers to be validated by the lawyers before publishing.
Who works on your case.
Sandra Rocha Martins
Lawyer and trainer. Founder of Imperium Lawyers.
Outside Portugal and received a notice?
We read the notice, check the deadline and handle the defence, even if you cannot travel.
Offices in Portimão and Lagoa. In-person or video consultations, in Portuguese and English.
For Brazilians who want to live, invest or sort out their status in Portugal: visas, nationality, property and documents.
For investors and families in the Emirates with assets or business in Portugal. Fully remote, in English.
Wherever you are, we book the consultation at your time.
⚠ To be confirmed with Imperium: how clients in Brazil and Dubai are served (partners, travel or remote only).
Let's talk about your case.
Book an in-person meeting in Portimão or Lagoa, or a video call.
8500-299 PortimãoView on map →
8400-306 LagoaView on map →
Monday to Friday, 9:30 to 19:30 ⚠